Donald W. Hornbeck Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Donald W. Hornbeck, 83, of Pelham, died Friday, May 18th at Grace House of Windham with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Elaine (Robinson) Hornbeck who survives him and with whom he would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on June 15th of this year. Born in Schenectady, New York, December 13, 1934, the only child of the late Harold A. and the late Mildred C. (Lane) Hornbeck, he attended Schenectady schools and was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School with the Class of 1952.
Eager to further his education, following his military service, he then when on to graduate from Lowell Technological Institute (now known as U/Mass Lowell) earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic Engineering in 1958. A veteran during the Korean Conflict, Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Air National Guard. Before retiring, Don was employed as Director of Eastern Regional Marketing for Rantec, a division of Emerson Electric based in California for over 20 years.
Following his retirement from Rantec, he returned there as a consultant for another 13 years. Previously, he worked at Raytheon Corporation in Bedford, Massachusetts where he was heavily involved in the Patriot Missile System. After receiving his degree, his first employment was as a Design Engineer with Sanders Associates (now known as BAE) in Nashua.
In 1981, he was appointed to a Navy Adhoc Committee to determine how power supplies should operate in the upcoming 21st century, an accomplishment he was extremely proud of. Among his many activities, after having procured his private pilot’s license, he went on to receive his commercial pilot’s license and flew many charter flights for Executive Airlines out of Boston. Having owned his own video production company, he often was the videographer for the Spindle City Singers in Lowell as well as the Greely Singers and the First Congregational Church both in Pelham.
He enjoyed spending time with his family at their summer home in York Beach, Maine and would often be seen walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit. A lifelong ham radio operator, he was a member and past president of the Nashua Ham Radio Club. He was also a 3rd Degree Mason at the William North A.F. and A.M. Masonic Lodge in Lowell.
In addition to his wife Elaine, Don is survived by a daughter Suzan E. Hornbeck of York Beach, ME; a son Brian M. Hornbeck and his wife Suzanne of Bear, DE; five grandchildren Nicholas W. Hornbeck and his wife Ashley, Rebekah E. Hornbeck, Brianna L. Bundy, Hunter R. Bundy and Madison L. Hornbeck; a great-grandson Jake A. Hornbeck; a brother-in-law Howard B. Robinson of Amherst, NH; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Don’s family would like to thank the entire staff of Grace House and the visiting Angels Association, especially Diane, Scott, Paulina and Dierdre. The kindness and compassion of so many individuals not only provided skilled and professional care to Don, but also supported the family during a very difficult time.
Friends may call for a Memorial Visitation at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME 11 NASHUA RD. in PELHAM from 5 to 8 P.M. on Friday, June 1st. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service to be celebrated Saturday morning at the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Pelham at 9:30 followed by burial at Gibson Cemetery.
E-condolences/directions at www. pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Dr, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202 or Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452 or the First Congregational Church of Pelham, 3 Main St, Pelham, NH 03076.
Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333. Donations may be made to: American Diabetes Foundation 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington VA 22202 Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, Massachusetts 02452, Tel: 800. 272.
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